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Link Transit announced two major updates this week.No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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Link Transit named Don Billen as its new CEO.“The Link Transit Board of Directors has named Don Billen as the agency’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2026.”
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Don Billen's new CEO role is effective June 1, 2026.“The Link Transit Board of Directors has named Don Billen as the agency’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2026.”
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Don Billen will succeed Nick Covey.No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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Nick Covey retires after 32 years of service.No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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Don Billen has been Link's planning manager since May 2025.“Billen, who has served as Link’s planning manager since May of 2025, was selected following a national search and brings 30 years’ experience in transit planning, capital project development, and regional coordination.”
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Don Billen brings 30 years of transit experience.“Billen, who has served as Link’s planning manager since May of 2025, was selected following a national search and brings 30 years’ experience in transit planning, capital project development, and regional coordination.”
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Don Billen has leadership roles at Sound Transit.“His background includes leadership roles at Sound Transit, where he led major system expansions and long-term planning initiatives.”
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Board Chair Erin McCardle praised Don Billen.“"The Board is grateful for Nick’s leadership and is excited to welcome Don Billen as our next CEO," said Board Chair Erin McCardle.”
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Don Billen is praised for understanding transit's role in connecting people to jobs and healthcare.“"The Board is grateful for Nick’s leadership and is excited to welcome Don Billen as our next CEO," said Board Chair Erin McCardle. "Don understands the important role transit plays in connecting people to jobs, healthcare, and opportunities. We look forward to working with him to ensure Link Transit continues to meet the evolving needs of our riders and communities."”
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Link Transit will provide free shuttle service to the Walla Walla Park fireworks display.“On July 4 th , free shuttles will be available from the JC Penney parking lot and the Wenatchee Valley Mall in East Wenatchee to Walla Walla Park every 15 minutes starting at 7PM until 9:15PM with fireworks at 10PM.”
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The free shuttle service is for the Walla Walla Park fireworks display on July 4.“On July 4 th , free shuttles will be available from the JC Penney parking lot and the Wenatchee Valley Mall in East Wenatchee to Walla Walla Park every 15 minutes starting at 7PM until 9:15PM with fireworks at 10PM.”
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Shuttles will run every 15 minutes from 7 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.“On July 4 th , free shuttles will be available from the JC Penney parking lot and the Wenatchee Valley Mall in East Wenatchee to Walla Walla Park every 15 minutes starting at 7PM until 9:15PM with fireworks at 10PM.”
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Shuttles will depart from the JC Penney parking lot.“On July 4 th , free shuttles will be available from the JC Penney parking lot and the Wenatchee Valley Mall in East Wenatchee to Walla Walla Park every 15 minutes starting at 7PM until 9:15PM with fireworks at 10PM.”
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Shuttles will depart from the Wenatchee Valley Mall in East Wenatchee.“On July 4 th , free shuttles will be available from the JC Penney parking lot and the Wenatchee Valley Mall in East Wenatchee to Walla Walla Park every 15 minutes starting at 7PM until 9:15PM with fireworks at 10PM.”
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The fireworks show begins at 10 p.m.“fireworks at 10PM.”
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Link Transit emphasized wildfire prevention.“One spark is all it takes to ignite a wildfire. Instead, take in a free, public fireworks display! Link Transit is providing free shuttles at the 4 th of July event at Walla Walla. On July 4 th , free shuttles will be available from the JC Penney parking lot and the Wenatchee Valley Mall in East Wenatchee to Walla Walla Park every 15 minutes starting at 7PM until 9:15PM with fireworks at 10PM. Every year, wildfires in eastern Washington burn thousands of acres, cause urgent emergency evacuations and, at times, destroy structures and homes. The majority of wildfires are human caused. Let’s keep our community safe this year – skip the sparks ! Please respect the fireworks bans and don’t ignite a wildfire. Enjoy these great, local events that include music, food, and fun for our community!”
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Most wildfires are human-caused according to Link Transit.“The majority of wildfires are human caused.”
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Link Transit urged residents to avoid spark-related activities.“One spark is all it takes to ignite a wildfire. Instead, take in a free, public fireworks display! ... Please respect the fireworks bans and don’t ignite a wildfire.”
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Link Transit announced a Bus Barn Open House on June 25.“Have you ever wondered what an electric battery on a bus looks like? Or how they get charged at night? Come find out at Link Transit's Open House on Thursday June 25 th from 5pm to 7pm . Take a tour through the maintenance shop and explore the new state-of-the-art Bus Barn where Link's electric fleet gets charged and dispatched to transport you throughout Chelan and Douglas counties!”
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The Bus Barn Open House will run from 5 to 7 p.m.“Come find out at Link Transit's Open House on Thursday June 25th from 5pm to 7pm . Take a tour through the maintenance shop and explore the new state-of-the-art Bus Barn where Link's electric fleet gets charged and dispatched to transport you throughout Chelan and Douglas counties!”
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The Bus Barn Open House will feature tours of its new electric bus charging facility.“Guided tours of the Bus Barn and maintenance shop Electric bus displays and charging infrastructure demonstrations ”
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The event will honor retiring CEO Nick Covey's 32 years of service.“The open house will also recognize the retirement of outgoing CEO Nick Covey, honoring his 32 years of service to Link Transit and the community.”
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The event will include a time capsule for community memories.“You can also be a part of community history by contributing a favorite transit memory or photo in a time capsule designed to preserve the stories and moments that have shaped Link Transit for future generations to discover.”
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Attendees must wear closed-toe shoes for facility tours.“Guests must wear closed-toe shoes for facility tours.”